About MRCs

The Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) units function as part of local emergency preparedness teams. They supplement existing resources such as the Red Cross and local public health, fire, police, and emergency management services. The result is a collaborative, local effort that is prepared for small and large-scale public health events and emergencies. Each MRC is organized to best suit the unique characteristics of its area. Recruiting, training, and organizing medical and non-medical individuals to strengthen their communities through volunteerism are at the core fo the MRC concept.

National

The Medical Reserve Corps program office is headquartered in the Office of the U.S. Surgeon General. It functions as a clearinghouse for information and best practices to help communities establish, implement and maintain MRC units across the nation. The MRC Program Office sponsors an annual leadership conference, hosts a Web site, and coordinates with local, state, regional and national organizations and agencies to help communities achieve their local visions for public health and emergency preparedness. For more information about the MRC program, please visit the national website at www.medicalreservecorps.gov.

Massachusetts

MA Responds is an online registration system for health volunteers in Massachusetts.  MA Responds is a part of a nationwide effort to quickly identify, verify and mobilize volunteers for effective response.  This system is a partnership between the MA Department of Public Health, local Medical Reserve Corps units, and other volunteer organizations in Massachusetts.  Registering with MA Responds is the gateway to volunteering for public health events in the Commonwealth.